Established in 2007, the International Studies Program (Bachelor of Arts degree) at the University of Central Arkansas is an interdisciplinary program intended for students who are interested in studying global topics from a variety of different perspectives. Students may choose upper-division courses in the disciplines of political science, economics, finance, geography, history, sociology, philosophy, religion, literature, and foreign languages. There is also an experiential learning component in the International Studies Program, including options for students to earn credit hours for participation in activities outside of the classroom (internship, travel/study abroad, Model United Nations, and independent research).
The International Studies Program will prepare students to enter into one of many different professions, including careers with federal, state, and local governments; multinational corporations and other businesses; international non-governmental and local non-profit organizations; and inter-governmental organizations with offices, programs, and staff located in the U.S. and overseas. The International Studies Program will also prepare students to enter professional programs or graduate school in a variety of disciplines, including business, law, economics, geography, history, international studies, public policy, and political science. For students interested in international affairs, foreign languages, and study abroad programs, there are a number of government- and private-funded fellowships and scholarships for undergraduate and graduate students, as well as other international studies-related programs. Since 2007, more than 150 International Studies graduates from UCA have entered a variety of volunteer programs, graduate school programs, and professional careers throughout the world.
Revisions to the International Studies Program
Beginning with the 2022-2023 academic year, students majoring in International Studies will complete 33 credit hours, including Core Requirements (12 credit hours), Experiential Learning Requirement (3 credit hours), and Concentration Requirements (18 credit hours). In addition, students pursuing the B.A. degree in International Studies will complete a Related Course Requirement consisting of six credit hours in a foreign language at the 2000-level or higher. Prior to the 2022-2023 academic year, the six-hour foreign language requirement was divided between the foreign language requirement in the International Studies major (three credit hours at the 2000-level or higher) and the university’s Special Degree Requirement for all B.A. degrees (three credit hours of foreign language at the 2000-level or higher). All students who declare International Studies as their major beginning in Fall 2022 will complete the revised degree requirements. Students who declared International Studies as their major prior to Fall 2022 will complete previous degree requirements.
________________________________________________________________
Degree Requirements and Checklists
Degree Requirements and Checklist (Revised) – Students who declare International Studies as their major beginning in Fall 2022 must complete these degree requirements.
Degree Requirements and Checklist (Fall 2020 to Fall 2022) – Students who declared International Studies as their major between Fall 2020 and Fall 2022 must complete these degree requirements.
Degree Requirements and Checklist (Pre-Fall 2020) – Students who declared International Studies as their major before Fall 2020 must complete these degree requirements.
Minor in International Studies – Students may choose to minor in International Studies.
More information regarding the degree programs and courses offered by the Department of Political Science can be found in the UCA Undergraduate Bulletin.
________________________________________________________________
Graduate Schools, Fellowships, Scholarships, and Careers
Selected Graduate School Programs
Fellowships, Scholarships, and Language/Study Abroad/Summer Programs
Careers in International Affairs (Association of Professional Schools of International Affairs)
Careers and Internships (U.S. Department of State)
________________________________________________________________
Program Curriculum & Assessment Documents
Proposal for the International Studies (B.A. Degree) Program (September 29, 2006)
International Studies Program Self-Study Cover Page (2007-2018)
International Studies Program Self-Study Report (2007-2018)
________________________________________________________________
Alumni
Graduates of the UCA International Studies (BA) Program
Placements of International Studies Graduates from UCA
International Studies Program – Alumni Questionnaire
International Studies Program – Alumni Survey
________________________________________________________________
Contact
Dr. Gizachew Tiruneh (sabbatical in Fall 2022)
Director, International Studies Program
Department of Political Science
University of Central Arkansas
Conway, Arkansas 72035
E-Mail: gtiruneh@uca.edu
Phone: 501-450-3412
Dr. Clay Arnold
Chair, Department of Political Science
University of Central Arkansas
Conway, Arkansas 72035
E-Mail: carnold@uca.edu
Phone: 501-450-3412